Are you also suffering from the problem of weight gain? Perhaps you have tried various methods, exercises, dieting, etc. to lose weight. But sometimes we do not get the results we think we want. Obesity is not just a problem of appearance, it opens the door to a number of serious diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. So, although there are surgeries as a solution to this, many people are afraid of undergoing surgery. For such people, today we are talking about a special method that can help them lose weight without surgery and with low risk. That is the Intragastric Balloon method.
What exactly is this balloon method?
Simply put, this is a non-surgical, medical weight loss program. What happens here is that a small balloon is inserted into your stomach (abdomen). This is not a major surgery. Because this balloon takes up space in your stomach, you feel full even after eating a little. This limits the amount of food you can eat.
But this is not just a balloon. This is a complete program . That means that along with the balloon, you will also receive the advice and support you need to make long-term changes to your lifestyle and eating habits. The most important thing is that this balloon is temporary . That means it will be removed after a certain period of time.
Why is this kind of treatment necessary?
There are several changes in the body of a person with obesity. One is that the volume of the stomach increases over time. Think of it like a rubber band, stretching with use, and over time the stomach also gets bigger. Then more food is needed to fill the stomach. This causes more weight to be gained. Almost all medical methods of weight loss work in some way to reduce this capacity of the stomach.
This balloon method is different from other methods for two reasons:
1. This is temporary: It is not a lifelong change like other surgeries.
2. No surgery required: This does not require major surgery to be inserted. Also, there is no need for general anesthesia.
Therefore, this is a good option for those who are not eligible for weight loss surgery (Bariatric Surgery), or for those who are afraid of surgery.
Who is this treatment best suited for?
Typically, it is recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and who pass the necessary health screenings for the procedure. In some cases, the balloon procedure can also be used as a "bridge" to help people who are too obese to undergo surgery.
This method can help you lose about 10% of your total weight, or about 30% of your excess weight. This amount is enough to have a big, life-changing impact on your health.
What happens before and after the balloon is inserted?
First, you should discuss with your doctor whether you are a good fit for this program. If you are, a team of experts, including a nutritionist, gastroenterologist, and psychiatrist, will support you throughout the program.
Inserting the balloon
This balloon is often inserted using a device called an endoscope. This is a thin, flexible tube with a small camera attached that is inserted through your mouth. You are given a small amount of medicine to make you feel sleepy and your throat is numbed. This is done so that you don't feel much pain.
The doctor inserts the balloon into the stomach through this tube and fills it with saline solution. The tube is then removed. The entire procedure takes about 20-30 minutes. You can then stay in the hospital for a few hours and then go home.
Life with a balloon
The balloon stays in your stomach for about 6 months. During this time, you and your medical team will need to make changes to your diet and lifestyle. The balloon will prevent you from eating as much, and it will be easier to control your eating because you will feel full. Most weight loss will occur within the first 3 months.
After 6 months, the balloon is removed through an endoscope in the same way it was inserted. After that, the medical team will help you continue to maintain these good habits for about another 6 months.
| Cases when this treatment is not recommended | |
|---|---|
| If you have stomach ulcers (Peptic ulcer disease) | If you have a hiatal hernia |
| If you have blood clotting disorders | If you have liver disease |
| If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol | If you have had previous stomach surgery |
What are the side effects and risks?
As with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects and minor risks. It is important to be aware of these beforehand.
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Common side effects (can be controlled with medication) | |
| Temporary abdominal pain | You may feel it for the first week until your stomach gets used to the balloon. |
| Nausea and vomiting | It is most common in the first few days. |
| Gas and heartburn | It can be caused by acid reflux. |
| Rarely serious risks | |
| Deflation of the balloon | If the balloon bursts, it can travel through the intestines and become stuck, causing intestinal obstruction. This is an emergency. |
| Acute Pancreatitis | A painful condition that can occur due to pressure on the pancreas from the balloon. |
| Stomach ulceration/perforation | The pressure from the balloon can cause injuries to the stomach wall or, rarely, a hole (Gastrointestinal perforation). This is a very dangerous condition. |
Very important: If you experience severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, or any other unusual symptoms, inform your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
How are the long-term results?
Many people lose significant amounts of weight using this method, which can greatly improve their health. But remember, if you go back to your old habits after the balloon is removed, you may gain the weight back.
Success depends on your commitment. The balloon is just a tool to help you. The most important thing is to use the momentum it gives you and get used to a healthy lifestyle.
Take-Home Message
- The gastric balloon is a non-surgical, temporary method of treating severe obesity.
- This involves inserting a balloon into the stomach and restricting the amount of food you eat.
- This is a complete program. Along with the balloon, you also need to make changes to your diet and lifestyle.
- This method is not suitable for everyone. This should be decided in consultation with your doctor.
- Although minor side effects may occur, serious risks are very rare.
- Long-term success depends on maintaining healthy habits even after the balloon is removed.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න